Synopsis:
They used to be enemies. Now they’re partners.

I never imagined Considine Maledictus—one of the most powerful vampires alive—would go from ruling the streets at night to joining the supernatural task force just to become my partner, but here we are.

Considine claims he “fancies” me. He also used to hide his identity and pose as my charming next-door neighbor, so forgive me if I don’t believe him.

As bad as that is, my work life is worse.

My slayer identity—kept a secret since a lone slayer is an easy target—has been leaked by a suspect from a previous case. This brings a new level of danger to my job, especially since the suspect is obviously holding a grudge against me.

But I’m more worried about my city. Bad things are going down, and whatever is stirring in the shadows is more than I can handle alone. Can I trust Considine to watch my back when he used to be the biggest threat to my life?

And why is it that despite everything that has happened, a part of me wonders if it’s possible for a slayer and vampire to be together…

The Order of Blood and Ruin is the final book in the Magic on Main Street urban fantasy trilogy, and is part of the Magiford Supernatural City world. This series is packed with humor, magical fights, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a slayer who battles social anxiety and a vampire who is sick of his immortality.

Review:
Seeing Jade learn what it’s like to have a partner, team, and friends who care about her was so gratifying after how much time she spent feeling self deprecating. Jade clearly didn’t realize how much her mindset of always striving to improve and working together as a team really impacted the rest of her work colleagues, but as Considine says, “There is a difference between seeking improvement and demanding perfection.” (Chapter 17) This books leaves one with the glorious idea that a perfect partner is patient with your faults and always has your back. Another important Jade point is that she has no problem standing up to vampires (perhaps because she knows she could kill them) and that she believes that communication is always key.

It was touching to see how much time Considine spent trying to make sure he would do everything in his power to remember Jade. Considine had to work to get Jade to open up to him when she knew exactly who he was. She knew he could be a good work partner, but how could a slayer and vampire be anything more? Considine continued in his devil may care attitude, and while he doesn’t like rules, did attempt to learn and follow them for Jade’s sake. I quite enjoyed his take on why he attacked/beat supernaturals. “I beg your pardon, I didn’t senselessly beat supernaturals just because I disliked their appearance,” Considine said. “It was also because they annoyed me.” (Chapter 3)

The absolute end tie in of Blood and Ruin was perfection, though I will say that I knew from book 1 who the missing female was, as well as what and where she was going to be.

I am so going to miss the Magiford series, and it is with a heavy heart that I finish this last review of K. M. Shea for a while. I wish the author nothing but the best, and hope that someday in the future she continues to write and bring us along for another adventure (Justice for Angelique!- my first taste of K. M. Shea’s books was in The Fairy Tale Enchantress series).

*This book was read in June and reviewed in July.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯